Where i’ve been – the resume stuff

Digital, print, editing, proofreading, blogging ... I’ve been lucky enough in 20+ years to do a little bit of everything, and I love it all. Here’s a brief snapshot of where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to lately.

Einstein Brother Bagels, Freelance Writer – I created the entire Einstein Brother Bagels new menu from scratch, as it were! They went from a laundry list of bagels and meals to a dynamic digital menu. I wrote punchy, quippy, on-brand descriptions for over 100 tasty menu items! You can see my work on their website at einsteinbros.com.

Berklee College of Music, Freelance Writer – I create aspirational and informative content for Berklee College of Music's online magazine, Take Note. These long-form content pieces are written to inspire future and current students and inform on the fascinating world of online music instruction and musicianship, all while using keyword-rich language to boost online search rankings. Here's a sample piece: “5 Must-Try Habits for Musicians.”

Quiznos, Freelance Brand Consultant, Writer & Editor – I support Quiznos corporate office and marketing team, providing a broad range of branding and marketing support, along with editing and copywriting services. I recently created a new website for Quiznos to better market franchise opportunities. 

Vital Choice Wild Seafood & Organics, Freelance Writer & Food Blogger – I create a full-range of online content for Vital Choice each month, including healthy lifestyle inspiration, updates on the latest in nutritional research, and original recipes and photography featuring their pristine, delicious, wild-caught seafood. My family LOVES this gig! 

Party City, Freelance Proofreader – I support the editorial staff at Party City by making sure their copy is concise, compelling, clear and error-free. Also, I spend a lot of time planning imaginary parties as I read about fun and festive party supplies. Bonus! 

Gaiam, Inc., Direct Editor & Writer – I was a one-woman copy machine at Gaiam, responsible for all direct-to-consumer and business-to-business marketing communications. I wrote thousands of emails, catalog pages and web product pages, plus dozens of banner ads, editorials and landing pages. I also ... 

• Planned and executed strategic marketing for web copy, including web promotions, Gaiam.com home page promotions, product detail pages, key product landing pages, affiliate banners and retargeting banners in coordination with the eCommerce team

• Served as a key liaison between creative, merchandising, marketing and operations departments, ensuring successful implementation of eCommerce and creative initiatives

• Managed workflow of projects through the creative department for a team of graphic designers

Westview Middle School, Eighth-Grade English Teacher – Surprise! Somewhere in the middle there I went to graduate school and became an English teacher. I loved my work teaching kids to read, write, think and speak. And some of the curriculum I created based around This I Believe essays is still in use today. PLUS, the essay I wrote along with my students was published by This I Believe in one of their compilations: This I Believe: Life Lessons! Not bad for one year's work. And, yes, I do miss working with kids.

Amrion, a subsidiary of Whole Foods Market. Copywriter – Translated technical nutritional research into customer catalogs, brochures and advertisements for a variety of product lines, customers and markets. Developed a sophisticated understanding of FDA and FTC legal requirements. I also played an instrumental role in the development and branding of all major product lines, including product naming, product positioning, merchandising and sales collateral for the launch of Whole Foods Market–brand dietary supplements.

MY NERDY PAST (& PRESENT)

Yes, I’m not ashamed to admit it ... I am a true word nerd. I’m an avid reader (here’s what I’m reading today), and I have an addiction to The New York Times crossword puzzle. So, what’s in it for you? My word-nerdiness means powerful, evocative, effective language that helps you achieve your professional goals (and gives me a little extra joy!).

“The Act of Giving Thanks”

I am very honored to have had my essay, “The Act of Giving Thanks,” featured in the the book This I Believe: Life Lessons and on Bob Edwards’ radio show. Many thanks to Dan Gediman, Mary Jo Gediman and John Gregory of This I Believe, to my past students at Westview Middle School and to my mom, who inspired me!

Master of Arts in Instruction & Curriculum in English, University of Colorado at Boulder, May 2004. 

“Best Should Teach” Award, Outstanding Master’s Plus Graduate for Secondary Education (selected by the faculty of the School of Education) • GPA: 4.0 • Co-Presenter at the 2003 Virginia Westerberg Children’s Literature Conference

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature & Bachelor of Arts in French Literature, University of Missouri–Columbia, May 1993.

Phi Beta Kappa Society • Bright Flight Scholarship (Missouri statewide academic cash scholarship) • University of Missouri Curator’s Scholarship (full tuition and fees for four years) • Roberts Scholar (acceptance into University of Missouri–Columbia School of Law as entering freshman) • GPA: 3.8